The death of Albert Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher and social media commentator from Homa Bay has triggered nationwide outrage, raised painful questions, and exposed the cracks in Kenya’s law enforcement and regulatory systems.

Albert’s death, now labeled as murder, is just one among many: according to IPOA chairperson Isaac Hassan, nearly 20 people have died in police custody in the past four months alone. “If this case hadn’t gone public, how many more would’ve quietly disappeared?” asked a Kenyan on X.

A Game of Blame: “It Ain’t Me”

Since Ojwang’s death, every key agency, from the DCI, The OCS Central Police Station, Communications Authority, Telcos and even Mbagathi hospital have been quick to wash their hands from being associated with this probe and declare  “It ain’t me.“

It began with a statement by the National Police Service claiming that Ojwang’ had been lawfully arrested by the DCI for false publication, and while in custody, “hit his head against the wall,” leading to fatal injuries.

But a postmortem conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia dismantled this version of events.

“The pattern of the trauma on his head and body,  including the upper limbs and trunk is inconsistent with a self-inflicted injury,” said Dr. Midia.  “Hitting a wall would show a particular pattern. This was different.”

DCI vs. Central Police

During his appearance before the Senate, DCI boss Mohamed Amin pointed fingers directly at Samson Talam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station, as the prime suspect in the murder probe.

“It has further been confirmed that before the booking, the report office personnel called the OCS, and unfortunately, it is being said that he declined to book the suspect,” Amin told the Senate.

The DCI further dispelled claims of torture following the disparity of time difference, noting that the suspect appeared normal when he arrived at the station and that his entry was captured digitally, ruling out any manual interference in the records.

“Talaam is the Officer Commanding Central Police Station, and from the totality of things, he should be treated as the prime suspect in the matter.” He said

On the other hand, Officers from Nairobi’s Central Police Station recorded statements with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), distancing themselves from the death of Albert Ojwang’ while in custody.

The officers claim Ojwang was already in critical condition when he was brought into the station. They allege that they made efforts to save his life upon realizing his deteriorating state.

Talaam, who recorded a statement on Wednesday at IPOA offices, maintained he was only summoned after Albert Ojwang’ had already been booked into custody. He claimed that when he arrived, Ojwang’ was already in poor health, prompting him to take the initiative and rush him to hospital.

But questions continue to mount over the exact condition in which Ojwang’ was brought to the station and the timeline of what followed. According to his lawyer Felix Kiprono, Talaam has now been arrested.

More Contradictions: Mbagathi Hospital Speaks

While police claimed Ojwang’ was alive and brought in for treatment, medical officers say he was already dead, a body bearing “horrific trauma.”

The nurses on duty stated that upon assessing the body, they confirmed that it was a lifeless body that was brought to them. The report from the hospital also states the body was brought in from Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

This information contradicts initial statements from the police, who had indicated that Ojwang’ had been taken to the hospital for medical attention. Casting doubt on claims that efforts were made to save him.

Telecoms and the “Location Leak”

The circumstances surrounding how police tracked down Albert Ojwang’ to his home in Homa Bay have come under intense public scrutiny. Online speculation pointed fingers at both the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and Safaricom, alleging that they may have shared location data with law enforcement.

However, both institutions issued categorical denials.

The CA distanced itself, clarifying that it does not have access to real-time subscriber location data and does not participate in operational matters involving law enforcement. 

Following public speculation and remarks by former Attorney General Justin Muturi linking Safaricom to the arrest of Albert Ojwang’, the telco issued a statement through CEO Peter Ndegwa denying any involvement. “At no point was there any contact between Safaricom and any security agency in investigating or arresting the late Albert,” he stated.

The Bigger Picture

While officials dodge responsibility, a family mourns, a country watches in outrage, and a generation grows increasingly disappointed.

What happens next will determine whether Albert becomes just another forgotten statistic or the reason Kenya finally looked itself in the mirror. Because right now, the only thing everyone seems to agree on is this: It ain’t them.